Rights Group Calls for Investigation, Action against Police Abuse at Ramallah Rally

The Palestinian Council of Human Rights Organizations is calling for an investigation into police handling of a Ramallah rally on Sunday that protested the return by the Palestinian Authority to peace talks with Israel. The demonstration, which was organized by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), saw violent clashes between police and demonstrators. In addition to claiming that security forces acted violently without provocation, the PCHRO is also faulting police for making arrests of protesters who were at hospitals seeking treatment for injuries received at the rally. Accusing Palestinian Authority officials of not being true to their promises of freedom to assemble and of expression, the PCHRO said in a statement that, “Reality reveals how big the gap between remarks and practices is. The police and security establishment is still far from implementing a culture of respect to citizens' rights and freedoms.”